There seems to be no end in sight in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Supporters of the two main gladiators, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are locked in an intense battle for the soul of the state.
In the last 10 months, both men have engaged in brickbat in the public arena, feeding the media with many unpleasant contents. Their unguarded utterances and shameless conduct have emboldened their supporters to violently attack themselves and destroy public facilities.
The aftermath of the recently-conducted local council elections was another indication of what is to come if urgent steps are not taken to settle the rift. Some arsonists said to be loyal to Wike allegedly burnt down three local government council headquarters in protest of the inauguration of the new chairmen of the councils by the governor. The development escalated the tension that has engulfed the state for some time now.
While the dust of that was yet to settle, the Appeal Court last week faulted Fubara for presenting the 2024 budget to only four members of the State House of Assembly. The judgement of the appellate court has further exacerbated the political imbroglio in the state.
While it was in favour of Wike and his supporters, the judgement has put the governor in a very tight corner. His only saving grace will be if the Supreme Court up turns the judgement in his favour but if the apex court does not, Fubara will have no choice but to represent the budget to the faction of the state assembly led by Martins Amaewhule or be ready to face impeachment.
As disturbing as the issues are, what calls for serious concern in the entire political brouhaha is the ethnic coloration that has been introduced. The ijaws in the state are not taking it, being that their chance to occupy the Government House after 24 years, is being threatened by the uplanders led by Wike. This has made them vow to resist the attempt to impeach Fubara with everything they have.
The undercurrent of the entire situation should worry every patriotic Rivers indigene. In fact, Nigerians should be worried because if Rivers State goes up in flames, the entire country will be affected substantially because of the huge economic importance of the state. So, it should be a priority for stakeholders to immediately resolve the contending issues.
For us, it is our candid view that the best approach will be a workable political solution and not the legal route that those involved are exploring. It is crystal clear that the judiciary cannot make peace happen in this particular matter. Many are of the opinion that with the kind of court orders and judgements that have been dished out since the start of the crisis, the judiciary may have compromised its natural conscience of unbiased adjudication.
Therefore, it is imperative that President Tinubu should convey another round of stakeholders meeting with elders, leaders, and respected statesmen and put before them the task of ending the political war. It is what needs to be done urgently and now. Tinubu must be impartial in order for all parties to accept the outcome. The president is an experienced politician and has in the past faced similar problems. He knows exactly what to do.
Fubara appears willing to accept a peaceful resolution to end the impasse. He has publicly said that on several occasions, he has knelt down to "beg". It is not surprising, he is mostly affected by the crisis as it is distracting him from governance and covering up some of the laudable achievements he has made so far. On the other hand, Wike works for the President, he cannot say no to the outcome of our proposed stakeholders meeting.
We want to believe that the initial solution proffered from the meeting conveyed by the President last year was not holistic as it was scripted to favour Wike. This time, we urge President Tinubu to ensure the conditions set are not a hangman's noose around Fubara's neck. That way, peace will return to the Treasure Base of the Nation at least, until the n ext round of elections.
